Lidia Bastianich's Fusilli Primavera

People Staff
·2 min read

The chef and author of Felidia: Recipes from My Flagship Restaurant shares a pasta dish that has been a staple on her restaurant’s menu for years

Lidia Bastianich’s Fusilli Primavera

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
8 oz. asparagus, peeled and cut into 1-in. lengths
4 oz. haricots verts (French green beans), trimmed and cut into 1-in. lengths
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 cup boiling water
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 bunch scallions, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup frozen english peas, thawed
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 lb. uncooked dried fusilli pasta
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 oz. Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high, and add olive oil. When oil is hot, add garlic; cook until sizzling, about 1 minute. Add asparagus and green beans. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 cup boiling water, cover skillet and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, 2-3 minutes
2. Uncover skillet, add grape tomatoes, and cook, uncovered, until tomatoes begin to wrinkle, 3 to 4 minutes. Add scallions, peas and cream. Simmer uncovered, until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes
3. Meanwhile, add fusilli to boiling water, and cook until just al dente, 11 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup cooking water. Transfer pasta to skillet, sprinkle with basil, and toss to coat, adding cooking water if the sauce seems dry.
4. Remove skillet from heat. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve immediately.

Quick Tip! Add the cheese at the last moment so the heat won’t cook out the flavor, says Bastianich

Serves: 6
Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Choose the Best Dried Pasta
When looking for pasta in the package, make sure it isn’t broken or chipped, doesn’t look dusty with flour or have white spots — all those things mean the pasta is old and has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. Look for pasta with golden-yellow color and a rough texture. Sauce doesn’t stick to shiny pastas very well.